Methylphenidate-Teva XR (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Methylphenidate-Teva XR Used For?
Methylphenidate-Teva XR is a stimulant medication that helps increase attention and reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity in people with ADHD.
Primary Uses
This medication is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as part of a comprehensive treatment program that usually includes psychological, educational and social therapy.
How It Works
As a stimulant medication, Methylphenidate-Teva XR increases attention and decreases impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD.
Good to know: When taken correctly as instructed by your doctor, abuse or dependence should not be a problem, either now or later in life.
How to Take Methylphenidate-Teva XR
Take Methylphenidate-Teva XR exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The tablets should be swallowed whole with liquid and can be taken with or without food.
Dosage Instructions
Children and Adolescents: Starting dose is one 18 mg tablet in the morning, with a maximum dose of 54 mg daily. Adults: Starting dose is one 18 mg or 36 mg tablet in the morning, with a maximum dose of 72 mg daily. Do not chew, break, or crush the tablets.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your usual morning dose, it may be best to wait until the following morning to take the next dose, as the effects are designed to last approximately 12 hours. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. The medication effects last approximately 12 hours.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Cold and cough
- Sore throat
- Feeling tired or weak
- Decreased sex drive
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Aggressive behavior or confusion
- Hallucinations
- Mood swings and overexcitement
- Depression or anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Convulsions or seizures
- Muscle twitching
- Prolonged painful erections
- Visual disturbances
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Severe headaches
- Signs of allergic reaction
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Methylphenidate-Teva XR should not be used or requires careful monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Methylphenidate-Teva XR
Do not use if you have: allergies to methylphenidate or ingredients; poorly controlled glaucoma; overactive thyroid; heart problems including severe angina, irregular heartbeat, heart muscle disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure; severe depression, anorexia nervosa, or suicidal tendencies; phaeochromocytoma; history of drug or alcohol abuse; or if taking MAO inhibitors within the last 14 days.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: seizures or fits; heart problems; thoughts of suicide; high blood pressure; aggressive behavior; digestive tract narrowing; tics or Tourette’s syndrome; brain blood vessel problems; eye problems like glaucoma; liver or kidney problems; mental health conditions including psychosis, mania, bipolar illness, or depression.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The active ingredient passes into breast milk and may affect your baby, so discuss risks and benefits with your doctor if breastfeeding.
Heart Problems: Heart-related problems including sudden death in patients with heart problems, stroke and heart attack in adults, and increased blood pressure and heart rate have been reported.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with Methylphenidate-Teva XR and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Surgery Warning: Tell your doctor if you’re having surgery – the medication should not be taken with certain anesthetics on the day of operation due to risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increases.
- MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, selegiline)
- Blood pressure medications
- Depression/anxiety medications (venlafaxine, sertraline, amitriptyline, imipramine)
- High blood pressure medications
- Anesthetics
- Seizure medications (phenytoin, phenobarbitone, primidone, valproate)
- Antipsychotic medications (olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine)
Alcohol & Driving
Methylphenidate-Teva XR may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Exercise caution until you know how the medication affects you.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Discuss any alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines or tools until you know how Methylphenidate-Teva XR affects you. The medication may impair your ability to operate potentially hazardous machinery or vehicles.
Temperature Regulation
Monitor for body temperature changes such as fever and hot flushes, which can occur as side effects.
Storage
Store Methylphenidate-Teva XR in a cool, dry place where the temperature is below 30°C. Keep the container tightly closed and store in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground where children cannot reach. Do not store in the bathroom, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Methylphenidate-Teva XR, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, agitation, muscle twitching, hallucinations, dry mouth, excessive sweating, fever, headache, irregular or fast heartbeat, dilated pupils, convulsions, breathing problems, confusion, and seizures.
Frequently Asked Questions
The effects of Methylphenidate-Teva XR are designed to last approximately 12 hours from the time it is taken.
Yes, Methylphenidate-Teva XR may be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with liquid.
Like all stimulants, Methylphenidate-Teva XR may become habit-forming and can be abused by some people. However, if you take it correctly as instructed by your doctor, abuse or dependence should not be a problem.
If you suddenly stop taking this medicine, your condition may reappear or you may get unwanted effects such as depression. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the amount of medicine taken each day before stopping it completely.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Discuss any alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider while taking this medication.
If you miss your usual morning dose, it may be best to wait until the following morning to take the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Yes, Methylphenidate-Teva XR is prescribed for children and adolescents with ADHD. Children should have their height and weight checked regularly as the medication may slow children’s rate of growth.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.